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RF Online

RF Online, or Rising Force Online, is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG that's set in the distant future where three warring factions fight for control over scarce natural resources on the planet of Novus. Despite it's sci-fi theme, RF Online incorporates a lot of fantasy elements.

Publisher: RedFox Games
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: Feb, 21, 2006 (NA/EU)
PvP: Duels / Open World / Faction Wars / Guild Battles
Pros: +Skills level up individually with use. +In-depth crafting system. +Political system. +Good music.
Cons: -Repetitive gameplay. -Feels too easy early on. -Pervasive botting.

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Overview

RF Online Overview

A world of constant conflict, fast-paced PvP, and large-scale faction wars await you in RF Online. Fight as a cyborg warrior of the great Accretian Empire, master the arcane arts as a citizen of the Holy Alliance of Cora, or build and employ a variety of tools and armored vehicles as a member of the Bellato Union. Join the fight as the three races go head to head in a desperate bid for much-needed resources on the planet Novus.

RF Online Key Features:

  • Large-Scale PvP one of the best parts of the game is the large-scale PvP war, Chip Wars, which occurs three times a day. Battle with the other factions to dominate the field.
  • Fast-Paced Action – the battle system demands fast reflexes and actions to defeat your enemies in this PvP permeated world.
  • Unique Character Progression System acquire points to "skill up" by mastering certain actions over and over again. The more you use a weapon, the better you'll get at it.
  • Forge Your Own Character – with the choice of picking between three different factions and four classes, players can customize their characters with the class progressions, specializations, and gear.
  • Well-Made Storyline – well-written storyline that compliments the game quite nicely.

RF Online Screenshots

RF Online Featured Video

RF Online - USA Teaser Trailer

Classes

RF Online Classes

Races:

  • Accretia – this race of cyborgs is the most technologically advanced of all the races. They have no access to magic which they make up for with higher defense and stronger armor. They specialize in using technologically advanced weapons such as rocket launchers, siege kits, and grenade launchers.
  • Cora – a spiritual race of elves who are devout followers of the god, Decem. They are masters of offensive magic but shy away from technology. They specialize in summoning creatures called Animus to fight alongside them.
  • Bellato – a well-balanced race of small elves. They have the best of both worlds and are adept at using both technology and magic but to a lesser degree than the other races. They compensate for their small stature with tank-like Massive Armored Units, or MAUs, which are available in melee and ranged varieties.

Classes:

Accretia players don’t have access to the Spiritualist class because of their inability to use magic. All other races can create characters from one of the four classes. Players are given to further specialize in their chosen classes once they hit Level 30 and Level 40.

  • Warrior – a class that dedicated to melee combat. They use swords, axes, maces, and shields. They have the best defense of all the other classes and usually take on the roles of tank or off tanks for those who prefer to deal more damage.
  • Ranger – uses bows and guns to pick off enemies from long distances. They also have access to traps and skills that can slow down enemies or stop them in their tracks. Accretian rangers can use launchers and siege kits to deal large amounts of damage from farther away.
  • Spiritualist – can cast spells to deal damage to enemies or provide support to allies by way of buffs and support spells. They have the lowest defense of all the classes. Cora spiritualists can summon Animus to help them in battle.
  • Specialist – specialists are inventors and craftsmen. They specialize in mining and processing resources as well as manufacturing and upgrading equipment. They can also set up guard towers to protect allies in hostile areas. Bellato specialists have access to MAUs that are not only tough, but can also inflict massive damage.

Full Review

RF Online Review

By Marc Marasigan

RF Online, which is short for Rising Force Online, is a sci-fi 3D MMORPG with a bit of fantasy thrown in for good measure. The game was developed by CCR International and was initially released as pay-to-play on February 21, 2006 in North America by Codemasters. It was re-launched by GamesCampus as free-to-play in August 2012. The game is set in the Planet Novus where three different races are in conflict over precious minerals and resources. The game mixes science fiction and technology with elements of classic fantasy, like swords and magic, similar to Final Fantasy VIII and XIII. In February, 2016 RedFox Games picked up the service for RF Online after it was shut down by GamesCampus.

A New World

Before players are dropped into the war-torn planet Novus, they first need to create a character. Players can create a total of 3 characters per account and can create characters from different factions. They can choose to play as a citizen and soldier of either the mighty Accretia Empire, the devout Holy Alliance of Cora, or the ingenious Bellato Union. Each race has its own strengths and weaknesses as well as race specialties. Accretian rangers can equip rocket and grenade launchers and go into siege mode to extend their range. Coran spiritualists have the ability to summon Animus to fight alongside them. And finally, Bellato specialists gain the ability to drive massive exoskeletons called MAUs. All characters, except those from Accretia, can start off as either a warrior, ranger, spiritualist, or specialist before further specializing later in the game. As cyborgs, Accretians lack the ability to wield magic and have no spiritualist class.

After creating a character, players are given the choice to complete a quick tutorial on movement, camera, and combat. Once completed, they are transported to one of the three race settlements located in different parts of the planet. The world is in constant PvP and these starting areas are some of the few safe zones in the game world.

RF Online’s game world, structures, and the notable background music remind me a lot of Balamb Garden and all the other schools in Final Fantasy VIII. One thing that bothers me though, is that everything seems to give out a hazy, dreamy feel. For players who, like me, would rather do without this feature, it can easily be fixed by turning down the glow setting in the game options.

The Road to War

Like most MMORPGs, RF Online uses quests to provide players with much-needed equipment and to guide players from one area to the next. But what sets it apart is its unique character progression system. Instead of relying on levels to improve character stats, players are awarded PT points every time they attack, receive damage, block, or use skills. That’s not to say that levels aren’t important. Character abilities are unlocked upon reaching specific levels, like the ability to wear armor, equip launchers, or join the race wars.

Leveling is easy enough since new players are given extremely powerful weapons as gifts as soon as they enter the game world. While it does help newbies get to Level 30 faster so they can experience a feature that RF Online is known for, which is its massive three-race PvP, using it will do more harm than good.

PT and Skills

In RF Online, PT points, much like experience points, are used to improve stats and skills. The more players use weapons and skills, the stronger they become. Stats can be leveled up to a maximum of 99 while skills are capped at seven levels. Think of it as a practice makes perfect kind of thing. For example, a warrior who uses a sword will improve his sword stats and melee damage stats every time he attacks a monster or another player. If he uses melee skills, the skills also gain points along with the earlier stats. Different weapon types have different stats, so while he can equip an axe or a mace if he chooses to, he won’t be as effective unless he spends time improving the respective stats. Using those incredibly overpowered “gifts” can also be counter-productive, since the goal is to hit enemies as many times as possible to maximize PT gains, not one-shot them to oblivion.

All skills can be used as early as level 1 with the exception of spiritualists who use Force instead. Force reavers are used to unlock Forces or spells. These can be bought at Force NPCs or obtained from monsters. Once players hit a certain skill level requirement, the next tier of skills or force will become available. Additional class skills also become available when players reach Level 30 and Level 40.

While the PT system does bring something new to the table, it does take a lot of patience to improve certain stats. It also can get a bit tedious in the long run and can oftentimes be more frustrating than grinding. Imagine having to stand in one place for an ungodly length of time constantly healing yourself while monsters pummel your character, just so you can increase your defense stat.

Let the Battle Begin

PvP is where RF Online shines. The whole game world is in permanent PvP mode except for race HQ’s and a few portals to prevent spawn camping. Players, at some point, will be sharing areas with other races as they complete quests which makes for a very volatile environment. Questing players usually leave other races alone but for some the temptation is just too hard to resist. Just one attack is all it takes for all hell to break loose. High level bullies can also be a problem, but can easily be solved by calling your “big brothers.”

For the ultimate PvP experience, Chip Wars is the way to go. It’s a the three-way free-for-all race war held three times a day. Players Level 30 and above can join, although you do need to be a bit stronger than Level 30 to fully enjoy the event and not be cannon fodder. The objective is to destroy another race’s control chip while defending your own. The first race to destroy a control chip gains the right to mine precious resources until the next Chip War begins. Winners also get a race-wide buff while losers get a debuff. Each race is led by weekly elected race Archons and race leaders. They are responsible for coming up with strategies and deploying troops, while guild leaders deal with micromanaging their members.

Final Verdict – Great

While RF Online’s gameplay can become a bit tiresome at some points, especially for players who want to build a badass character, it still scores high in my book just for the PvP alone. I mean, how many games can say that they have thousands of players duking it out in a fast-paced three-way race war three times a day? The storyline is great, well thought out, and gives a break from the usual good versus evil scenarios. Overall, one of the best MMO games out there just don’t mind the extremely overpowered weapons, or better yet, throw them out as soon as you get them.

Screenshots

RF Online Screenshots

Videos

RF Online Videos

Links

RF Online Links

RF Online Official Site
RF Online Wikipedia
Rising Force Wiki (Database / Guides)

System Requirements

RF Online System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
CPU: Intel Pentium 3 / AMD Equivalent
Video Card: GeForce FX Series / ATI Radeon 9500 or Better
RAM: 256 MB
Hard Disk Space: Over 6 GB

Recommended Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or better
Video Card: GeForce 6000 Series / ATI Radeon X700 or better
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Disk Space: Over 6gb

Video card must support Dirext X 9.0c or above. RF Online supports 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems. The game originally launched back in 2004, so it'll be compatible with a lot of older hardware.

Music

RF Online Music & Soundtrack

Additional Info

RF Online Additional Information

Developer: CCR
Game Engine: R3 Engine (Developed by CCR)
Closed Beta Date: June 4, 2007
Open Beta Date: June 27, 2007

Foreign Release(s):

South Korea: October, 2004 (Daum)
Taiwan: May, 2005
Philippines: January, 2006 (LevelUp!)
China: March, 2006 (GDCN)
Brazil: January, 2007
Russia: April, 2007
Japan: June, 2007 (GameOn)
Indonesia: October, 2007

Several localized versions of RF Online are no longer available.

Development History / Background:

RF Online was developed by South Korean game studio CCR and launched in South Korea in October 2004 as a pay to play game with a subscription. RF Online took over 5 years to develop and employed a staff of over 100. The company invested over $8 million USD into developing RF Online. The game switched from a pay to play to free to play model in 2006. The North American and European version of the game launched on February 21, 2006 as a retail product that required a subscription through Codemasters. When Codemaster's license for RF Online expired, the NA/EU service shut down on November 9, 2008. RF Online's developer, CCR, then decided to self-published the game for North American and European audiences and did this up until they re-licensed the game to GamesCampus. Despite the game's lack of popularity in the West, RF Online has been successful for CCR in South Korea. Throughout RF Online's history - the game has been licensed to 54 different countries around the world. RedFox Games publishes it in the West since GamesCampus shut it down.